《洞玄灵宝五老摄召北酆鬼魔赤书玉诀》

This fragmentary section of the Chishu yujue concerns how to make, venerate, and wear a kind of Fulu (talisman and register) known as the “Divine Register” (shence).

In making it, one uses cinnabar to write the “Writ of the Most High of the Three Heavens for Summoning and Subduing Flood Dragons, Tigers, Leopards, and Mountain Essences” on a board of silver wood, and writes the year and month together with the master’s surname, personal name, and taboo name on a second board. The two boards are joined and placed inside a pouch. A further passage in cinnabar is written on a third board and set outside the pouch. When the three boards are brought together and sealed, the whole is called the Divine Register; its form is like the credential used in transmission.

All the boards are of silver wood, one chi four cun long and two cun four fen wide. The pouch is sewn from crimson patterned silk, one zhang two chi in length, and is used to wrap the boards and to seal the outer board. Below the mouth of the pouch one affixes the “Seal of the Five Elders of the Central Primordial Beginning,” a seal associated with the cult of the Five Elders.

The Divine Register should be kept in a cypress-wood case wrapped on the outside in crimson patterned cloth. After the text of the register has been requested and received, it should be installed in a separate room, with incense burned to the left and right, and venerated with single-minded devotion; once received, it is to be worn on the person. The scripture states that the spirits of Heaven and Earth come morning and evening to pay court, and that the Five Emperors dispatch twelve jade lads and twelve jade maidens to serve at one’s command. When the wearer goes out or travels about, the Five Emperors attend as guards and the divine offices of the Three Realms come to receive him. From then on he no longer suffers the calamities of the Three Evil Paths, need not pass by Mount Tai, and may ascend directly into the Nine Heavens, with clothing and food naturally complete, a station equal to the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), and ultimate attainment of immortality.

When a Daoist who has received the teaching wears this text and performs the divine incantation, he may point the Divine Register toward the sky. The scripture says that celestial spirits will descend, and that the wearer may pass beyond Mount Tai and ascend straight into the Nine Heavens, with clothing and food arising of themselves, a station equal to the Taiji, and ultimate attainment of immortality.

A Daoist who has received the Dao (the Way) and studies it wears this talismanic script. When performing the divine spell, one points the cewen—the ritual implement or document that bears the talismanic script—toward Heaven, and the gods of Heaven descend; points it toward Earth, and the earthly deities come to pay homage, while the gods of the Three Realms also set their ceremonial bearing in order. Point it at a spirit, and the spirit offers a ritual salute; point it at a ghost, and the ghost perishes of itself; point it at water, and the water deities respond. When a great kalpa arrives and floodwaters gather from every side, the cewen may be used to summon dragons, and the dragons will bear the practitioner on their backs. Through long cultivation and the accumulation of resonant response, one comes into communion with the spirits; wherever one performs the rite and issues a summons, raising the cewen brings the spirits at once.

The spirits have a thousand transformations and answer the summons according to one’s intent. As the cultivator goes out and moves about, their station corresponds to the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate). Flying dragons lead the way in front, and the tianjun—the celestial retinue or divine generals—follow behind. Phoenixes give long cries and luan birds call; twelve beams of radiant light hold aloft ceremonial staffs of two-sevens (fourteen) colors and the banners of the life-spirits. After nine years of concentrated cultivation, the celestial retinue is naturally complete.

Lingbao Divine Spell of the Eight Awesome Powers

The Supremely True Qi (vital energy) of the Celestial Worthy of Primordial Beginning, the exalted venerables among the numinous Qi of the Five Directions, shine as bright as Mount Taihua and illuminate the gates of the eight directions. The Five Elders—the divine elders of the five directions—transmit the imperial command, and there is no dark place that cannot be opened. Above, they preside over the Nine Heavens; in the middle, they govern Fengshan, the mountain bureau of the underworld; below, they administer the rivers and seas and the twelve sources of water.

The Divine Spell of the Eight Awesome Powers and the jade script of the numinous register can summon divine dragons to bear the floodwaters, gather breaths and cloud-Qi, bind deviant demons and send off ghosts and wraiths, sweep away the hosts of evil spirits, and cause the myriads of sprites to be destroyed and dispersed. None who are executed by the power of the spell can escape. The sun and moon, the Five Stars, the Seven Primordials of the Northern Dipper, all the heavens and all the lands, all the waters and all the mountains, together with the deities under the command of the Jade Perfected, the great spirits of the netherworld, and the immortal kings who roam forth and gather in feast—all must lower their banners and obey. The Five Emperors likewise draw in their majestic bearing. Celestial troops clear the way in front, and golden tigers race behind. Fierce jue-beasts of Heaven guard the gates of the four quarters. Whoever is called comes at once; whoever is summoned arrives immediately before one. The radiance of the Red Script appears, and wind and fire arrive in an instant. For all who are to be seized and examined, the golden dragons transmit the talismanic command.

After the recitation, knock the teeth nine times, face Heaven and give three long whistles, draw in the Qi of Heaven, and swallow it in three portions. Then point the cewen toward the place being addressed, hold the breath for nine respirations, and stop.

Jade Instructions of the Primordial Beginning and the Five Elders for Quelling Upheaval, Seeking Immortality, and Averting Calamity

A Daoist priest who studies with an undivided mind, carefully writes out the True Writs in Red Script of the Green Emperor (Qingdi Chishu Zhenwen, the sacred writings of the Green Emperor), and places them in the east will bring the immortal officials of the Eastern Peak (Dongyue) to arrive. After fasting and purification (zhaijie) for a hundred consecutive days, with the mind fixed in contemplation of the Venerable Deities of Lingbao (Lingbao Zunshen, the deities revered in Daoism), the Perfected (Zhenren) of heaven will descend, bestow nine Jade Maidens of Qingyao (Qingyao Yunü), and enable one to obtain the immortal herbs of the Eastern Peak and the medicines of longevity and deathlessness. The ghosts and demons under the Green Emperor’s command will withdraw ninety thousand li; the fierce beasts and poisonous insects of the region will not form any intention to harm people, but will instead treat the benevolent and kindhearted with goodwill. If one can maintain the fast and cultivate for twenty-four years, one may attain immortality. Even if one merely wears this writing on the body, one may, through shijie (the Daoist method of casting off the mortal body and transforming into an immortal), pass through the cycles of transmigration and become an immortal.

When calamity arises in the eastern region or during the three months of spring, and one wishes to pacify the east, the text is written in cinnabar upon green stone so as to secure the nine heavens of the east. Calamity will then recede, and violent and rebellious affairs will subside; the people of that region will turn to benevolence and goodness, the Azure Dragon will come soaring, auspicious omens will follow, and the land will be at peace. If this writing is carefully copied and worn on the body, it can drive away misfortune, spare one from unexpected disaster, keep one constantly in resonance with the spirits, preserve the peace of the state and the safety of the household, and confer blessings without end.

When a Daoist priest carefully writes out the True Writs of the Red Emperor (Chidi Zhenwen, the sacred writings of the Red Emperor) and places them in the south, the immortal officials of the Southern Peak (Nanyue) will arrive. After fasting and purification for a hundred consecutive days, with the mind fixed in contemplation of the Venerable Deities of Lingbao, the Perfected of heaven will descend, bestow eight Jade Maidens of Zhuling (Zhuling Yunü), and enable one to obtain the immortal herbs of the Southern Peak and the medicines of longevity and deathlessness. The ghosts and demons under the Red Emperor’s command will withdraw eighty thousand li; the fierce beasts and poisonous insects of the region will not form any intention to harm people, but will instead treat the benevolent and kindhearted with goodwill. If one can maintain the fast and cultivate for twenty-four years, one may attain immortality; even if one merely wears this writing on the body, one may, through the method of shijie, pass through the cycles of transmigration and become an immortal.

When calamity arises in the southern territory of the realm, or during the three months of summer, and one wishes to pacify the south, one writes the talismanic script in cinnabar on a red stone and sets it in the south for eight days to stabilize the region. The calamity will then recede, and violent and rebellious affairs will likewise subside. In the south there will appear humane and generous people and auspicious signs; phoenixes will come to soar and sport, white luan birds will fly and call, and celestial beings will sing, celebrating the peace of the state. Worn on the person, the talismanic script can keep every kind of calamity from arising, dispel what is baleful and defiled, and summon the spirits, bringing endless blessings and felicity, so that one lengthens one’s years and lives long, the family estate flourishes, and the state remains at peace.

When a Daoist priest writes the True Writ of the Yellow Emperor (talismanic writing associated with the Yellow Emperor) and installs it at the center, the immortal officials of the central mountains arrive. If one maintains prolonged fasting and purification for a hundred days and concentrates one’s thoughts on the venerable deities of Lingbao (the deities revered in Daoism), the Zhenren (Perfected) of heaven will descend, bestow twelve Jade Maidens dressed in yellow, and enable one to obtain the immortal lingzhi herbs and the medicine of deathlessness of the Central Peak. Ghosts and demons under the Yellow Emperor’s command will withdraw twelve myriad li; the ferocious, refractory beasts and venomous insects of the central region will not conceive a mind to harm people, but will instead become humane and good. After twenty-four years of prolonged fasting and cultivation, one can become an immortal. Merely wearing this talismanic writ on the person also allows one to become an immortal through Shijie (what Daoism calls the transformation of the mortal remains and departure from the ordinary body).

When calamity arises at the center of the realm, or in the months when the four seasons succeed one another, and one wishes to pacify the center, one writes the talismanic script in cinnabar on a yellow stone and sets it at the center for twelve days to stabilize the region. The calamity will then recede, and violent and rebellious affairs will likewise subside. The four quarters will live in harmony, auspicious signs will appear of themselves, the qilin will come, and the white tiger will roam in the courtyard; the state will be abundant, the people prosperous, and all under heaven at peace. Worn on the person, the talismanic script can keep the central domain secure and keep every kind of calamity from one’s person; the body will be healthy and one’s vigor robust, the five senses keen and clear, and one will long protect family and state, forever enjoying good fortune and favorable success.

When a Daoist has written out the True Writ of the White Emperor (Baidi zhenwen)—the sacred talismanic script corresponding to the White Emperor of the West—and placed it in the west, the immortal officials of the Western Marchmount (Xiyue) will arrive. If one can keep ritual abstinence for a hundred days and fix one’s thoughts wholly on the Venerable Deities of Lingbao (Numinous Treasure), Perfected beings (Zhenren) from heaven will descend, bestow six Jade Maidens of Taisu (Grand Simplicity), and assist in seeking the immortal mushrooms and the drugs of deathlessness of the Western Marchmount. The ghosts and demons commanded by the White Emperor will withdraw sixty thousand li. The ferocious evil beasts and venomous stinging insects of the west will no longer harbor any wish to harm people; instead they will draw near to those who are good and humane. After twenty-four years of abstinence and cultivation, one can attain the Dao (the Way) and become an immortal. Even if one merely wears this writ on one’s person, one can still, through shijie—the Daoist method of becoming an immortal by leaving behind the mortal body—be reborn and attain immortality.

If disasters occur in the western regions, or during the three months of autumn, and one wishes to pacify the west, the writ may be written in cinnabar (zhusha) on white stone and placed in the west for six days. Local disasters will then recede of themselves, and violent and rebellious affairs will be stilled. The west will return to peace; auspicious events will come; numinous beasts will take flight; golden sparrows will arrive bearing tokens of the mandate (fuming); the Five Elders (Wulao) will come to offer allegiance; the state will be at peace, and the people will rest and recover. Once the writ has been written and worn on the person, one can come and go among spirits and deities. Calamity will not befall one, and one may share in the sacrificial food of the Five Emperors (Wudi). One’s descendants will flourish and, generation after generation, enjoy glory like that of kings and marquises. Having formed good affinities, one need have no anxiety.

When a Daoist has written out the True Writ of the Black Emperor (Heidi zhenwen)—the sacred talismanic script corresponding to the Black Emperor of the North—and placed it in the north, the immortal officials of the Northern Marchmount (Beiyue) will arrive. If one can keep ritual abstinence for a hundred days and fix one’s thoughts wholly on the Venerable Deities of Lingbao, Perfected beings from heaven will descend, bestow five Jade Maidens of Taixuan (Grand Mystery), and assist in seeking the immortal mushrooms and the drugs of deathlessness of the Northern Marchmount. The ghosts and demons commanded by the Black Emperor will withdraw fifty thousand li. The ferocious evil beasts and venomous stinging insects of the north will no longer harbor any wish to harm people; instead they will draw near to those who are good and humane. After twenty-four years of abstinence and cultivation, one can attain the Dao and become an immortal. Even if one merely wears this writ on one’s person, one can still, through shijie, be reborn and attain immortality.

If calamity occurs in the northern territory of the realm, or during the three months of winter, and one wishes to pacify the north, the characters may be written in cinnabar on a black stone and placed in the north for five days. In this way, the calamities of the north will disperse of themselves, and malevolent affairs will also subside. The north will submit and grow settled, and auspicious omens will flourish day by day; treasures hidden beneath the earth will come to light, and gold and jade will manifest; celestial beings and the human world will join in songs of praise; the state will be wealthy and sufficient, and the people will enjoy abundance.

Wearing this talismanic text on one’s person can eliminate every kind of calamity, make one’s lifespan as enduring as heaven and earth, and keep blessings and the fortune of emolument forever bright and unextinguished. Wherever one goes and whatever one seeks, all will proceed smoothly and as one wishes; descendants will flourish, and worthy and enlightened persons will appear generation after generation.

The superior method for cultivating the ultimate Dao (the Way) requires that one observe fasting and abstinence, meditatively visualize the deities and recite the Great Dao, and revere the Numinous Perfected (immortals who have attained the Dao in Daoism), so as to subdue demonic obstacles and ward off trials. Whenever the method is performed, one should first follow the ancient norms of the Upper Prime period of the Lingbao tradition and arrange, in their corresponding directions, the true-script Fulu (talismans and registers) used for pacification and stabilization.

The Numinous Perfected descend into the purification chamber; the official retinues of the Five Emperors guard the doors; ghosts and demons are destroyed, and what one seeks can also be successfully attained. Using cinnabar, write the true scripts of the emperor-lords of the five directions separately on silk of the corresponding colors: the true script of the Azure Emperor on azure silk, hung on the eastern wall; the true script of the Red Emperor on red silk, hung on the southern wall; the true script of the Yellow Emperor on yellow silk, hung in the center; the true script of the White Emperor on white silk, hung on the western wall; the true script of the Black Emperor on black silk, hung on the northern wall. Place these five true scripts in the purification hall, burn incense morning and evening, and make obeisance toward each corresponding direction. Unrelated worldly persons must not be allowed to enter the purification hall.

Each of the five directions has majestic deities standing guard, with jade lads and jade maidens in attendance. If anyone gives offense, the deities will report the transgression to the Nine Heavens, and hidden punishment will promptly descend. Those who practice this method should understand this and carefully observe the taboos.

In the Azure Heaven of the Nine Qi (vital energy)—the azure celestial realm of which Daoism speaks—there is a Primordial Azure Numinous Lad named “Kaiyang Qing,” who oversees the red-script true writ of the Azure Emperor and the duties of guarding. To offend him is likewise to be reported to the Nine Heavens and to incur hidden punishment; those who practice this method should carefully observe the taboos.

Among the nine Qi (vital energy) of the Azure Heaven, there is a Primordial Azure Spirit Lad named “Kaiyang Qing,” who has charge of the Red-Script True Writs (Chishu Zhenwen) of the Azure Emperor. The Azure Spirit Lad stands nine inches tall, wears an azure feathered robe, holds an azure command banner, and waits in attendance at the left of the scripture (Jing). The practitioner should visualize this spirit (Shen) descending upon the self and, by reciting with concentrated attention for one hundred days, will see the numinous true one appear; whatever is sought in prayer will also soon meet with a response. Once the Red-Script True Writs are worn, this lad will likewise remain constantly in one’s liver mansion and bring the Jing (essence) of the azure sprouts.

Among the three Qi of the Cinnabar Heaven, there is a Primordial Cinnabar Spirit Lad named “Danquanzhu,” who has charge of the Red-Script True Writs of the Red Emperor. The Cinnabar Spirit Lad stands three inches tall, wears a red feathered robe, holds a red ceremonial tally, and waits in attendance before the scripture. The practitioner should visualize this spirit descending upon the self and, by reciting with concentrated attention for one hundred days, will see the numinous true one appear; whatever is sought in prayer will also readily meet with a response. Once the Red-Script True Writs are worn, this lad will likewise remain constantly in one’s heart mansion and bring the Jing of the red sprouts.

In the Central Yellow Heaven, there is a Primordial Yellow Spirit Lad named “Hong Ying,” who has charge of the Red-Script True Writs of the Yellow Emperor. The Yellow Spirit Lad stands one inch and two fen tall, wears a yellow feathered robe, holds a yellow great axe, and waits in attendance at the center of the scripture. The practitioner should visualize this spirit descending upon the self and, by reciting with concentrated attention for one hundred days, will see the numinous true one appear; whatever is sought in prayer will also soon meet with a response. Once the Red-Script True Writs are worn, this lad will then remain constantly in one’s spleen mansion and bring the Jing of the yellow sprouts.

Among the seven Qi of the White Heaven, there is a Primordial White Spirit Lad named “Ming Shiliu,” who has charge of the Red-Script True Writs of the White Emperor. The White Spirit Lad stands seven inches tall, wears a white feathered robe, holds a white banner, and waits in attendance at the right of the scripture. The practitioner should visualize this spirit descending upon the self and, by reciting with concentrated attention for one hundred days, will see the numinous true one appear; whatever is sought in prayer will also soon meet with a response. Once the Red-Script True Writs are worn, this lad will then remain constantly in one’s lung mansion and bring the Jing of the white sprouts.

The “Red-Script True Writs” are sacred talismanic writings in Daoist scriptures. The “liver mansion,” “heart mansion,” “spleen mansion,” and “lung mansion” are the dwelling places of spirits within the body, corresponding to the five viscera. One sentence in the original passage on the Yellow Spirit Lad was repeated; in the rendering above it has been combined according to the sense of the text.

Within the Mysterious Heaven where the five directions and the five Qi (vital energy) converge, there is a Primordial Black Spirit Youth whose name is Yuzi. He corresponds to the Red Script True Writ of the Black Emperor. The Black Spirit Youth is five cun in height, wears a black feathered robe, holds a black banner, and stands in attendance behind the True Writ.

The practitioner should visualize this Shen (spirit) descending upon his own person. By concentrating and reciting with single-minded attention for one hundred days, he will see the numinous perfected manifest, and whatever he seeks will receive an immediate response. If he wears this True Writ, the Black Spirit Youth will dwell constantly in his Kidney Palace (the inner spirit-residence of the kidneys as spoken of in Daoism), bringing the Jing (essence) of the mysterious sprout.

This Spirit Youth of the Five Emperors was born at the same time as the Primordial Five Elders and presides over the five True Writs. Upward he governs the Qi of the Nine Heavens; downward he commands the Five Marchmounts; within the human body he governs the five viscera and draws in the Jing of the five sprouts to nourish the body. If one only ingests the five sprouts without knowing this Shen, one will in the end obtain no response, and the cultivation one practices will be nothing but vain toil.

The Dongxuan (Cavern of Mystery) Lingbao (Numinous Treasure) Red Script Jade Instructions by which the Five Elders Summon and Subdue the Ghosts and Demons of Northern Feng ends here.